Scripture Central

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist.

Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course.

Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

Lynne's Handouts: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/esther-1?searchId=0eb3e36bfb24dcd9bb1d1bece1531216b59539a8fde17ee80224af0653c92aa3-en-v=fadf3b9

The book of Esther is one of the most inspiring stories of courage, faith, and divine providence in the Old Testament. In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems & Heroines, Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the remarkable life of Esther, a young Jewish woman who rose from obscurity to become queen of the Persian Empire. Set within a culture where women were often treated as political possessions and valued primarily for their beauty, Esther's story reveals extraordinary strength, wisdom, and conviction. Lynne examines how Esther refused to let her identity be defined as merely a trophy wife and instead embraced her divine calling to protect her people. This episode also explores the difficult realities faced by women in the ancient Persian court, including the expectations placed upon queens and concubines, and contrasts Esther's faithful courage with the actions of Queen Vashti. Together, their stories shed light on the limited agency women often possessed while highlighting the remarkable ways faithful women exercised influence despite those constraints. A central focus of the discussion is Esther's invitation for the Jewish people to fast with her for three days before she risked her life by approaching the king uninvited. Lynne explains the spiritual significance of this collective fast and how Esther's unwavering faith in God gave her the courage to declare, "If I perish, I perish." Her willingness to sacrifice everything for her covenant people stands as one of scripture's greatest examples of faith, leadership, and trusting in God's unseen hand. Join Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson as she uncovers the historical background, cultural context, and powerful gospel lessons found in the book of Esther, revealing why this courageous queen continues to inspire believers to stand for truth, defend God's people, and exercise faith in moments when the future seems uncertain.

Enduring to the end is about getting to the end.  It is about finishing.  

It is not gritting your teeth, gutting it out, biting the bullet, looking forward to a brighter, happier day, and it’s not just not smoking until you die.  It is to do whatever is necessary to receive and follow the Holy Ghost, building up the kingdom of God as an active, contributing member of the Church of Jesus Christ beginning in your home, making a difference and never, ever, ever quit.  

Enduring to the end is to stay the course and finish.  It is dogged faithfulness.  

Yesterday’s accomplishments, good deeds and triumphs should be remembered and cherished, but they are in the past.  Yesterday’s mistakes should be remembered long enough to not repeat them, but they are in the past.  Some people mistakenly live there, in the past either reliving, rethinking mistakes or coasting on past successes or labors.  

What you did in the past, good or bad is not nearly as important as what you do today.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist.

Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course.

Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

Lynne's Handouts can be found here:https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/ezra-and-nehemiah?searchId=0eb3e36bfb24dcd9bb1d1bece1531216b59539a8fde17ee80224af0653c92aa3-en-v=fadf3b9

What can we learn about the faithful women who helped preserve covenant identity during one of Israel's most important periods of restoration?

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Bible scholar Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah, focusing on the often-overlooked women who lived during the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Although these books primarily highlight the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah, careful readers will discover women whose faith, family influence, and covenant commitment played a vital role in the restoration of God's people.

Join us as we examine the lists of returning families, the significance of women in preserving Israel's lineage and religious identity, the challenges faced by wives and mothers during a time of social and spiritual reform, and the covenant renewal that united the community. Lynne also discusses the difficult passages concerning intermarriage, the status of women in post-exilic Judah, and what these stories reveal about faithfulness, sacrifice, and covenant belonging.